Film School Radio hosted by Mike Kaspar

Under the Tree, Director Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson

UNDER THE TREE is a dark comedy based on real conflicts between neighbors that can often turn violent over trees (yes trees) in Iceland. There is a scarcity of trees in Iceland (which is why they are so treasured) and also a lack of sunshine….so you can see how a conflict would arise when a tree you’d never chop down in your backyard is blocking your neighbor’s sunlight. The films’ director Sigurdsson said he came up with idea when examining how minor conflicts between otherwise friendly neighbors become blown out of proportion and violent. UNDER THE TREE was Iceland’s Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards last year. The film was directed by Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson (Either Way) and produced by Grimar Jonsson. Hafsteinn joins us to talk about working with actors primarily known for comedic roles, conveying the film’s escalating tension without passing judgement on the characters actions.

For news and updates go to: underthetreefilm.com

85% on Rotten Tomatoes

“The tone is deliberately odd … blending the naturalism of the day-to-day emotions of relationships and grief, with the altogether more heightened tensions of a revenge thriller, while still keeping a cheeky eye on the absurdity of a mooning garden gnome” – Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film

“Unsettlingly perceptive as well as absurdly comedic, Under the Tree chronicles domestic tensions left to fester; when grudges branch out like a leafy tree in a suburban backyard, everyone suffers.” – Sarah Ward, Screen International

“What the film occasionally lacks in human finesse, it makes up for in sheer anything-goes resolve.” – Guy Lodge, Variety

“Each character resonates as a problematic individual whose foolishness escalates first into drama, then tragedy.” – Deborah Young, Hollywood Reporter

Official Selection: World Premiere: Venice Film Festival 2017

Official Selection: North American premiere: Toronto International Film Festival 2017

Winner: Best Director (Comedy), Fantastic Fest 2017

Winner: Best Film,  Denver International Film Festival 2017

Winner: International Feature Film, Zurich Film Festival 2017

Winner: Best Narrative Feature, Hamptons International film Festival 2017

Winner: Best Cinematography, Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards 2018

Winner: Best Music, HARPA Nordic Film Composers Award 2016